Chocolate Covered Cherry Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate-covered cherries are a delightful treat that combines the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate with the sweet, juicy burst of cherries. These treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re making them for a special holiday, gifting them to loved ones, or enjoying them as an after-dinner dessert. With their smooth and creamy chocolate coating, they’re both decadent and refreshing, making them a favorite among chocolate lovers and fruit enthusiasts alike. Easy to make at home, these chocolate-covered cherries are a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

• 1 jar of maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your preferred chocolate)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Begin by draining and drying the maraschino cherries thoroughly with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is crucial for the coating process.
2. Place the cherries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You may want to create small divots in the parchment to help them stay in place.
3. In a bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and powdered sugar. Stir until it becomes a thick, smooth mixture.
4. Form small round shapes with the mixture around each cherry. This will create the base of your chocolate-covered cherry. Once formed, chill the cherries in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will help the filling firm up and adhere better to the cherries.
5. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), or microwave the chocolate in short bursts, stirring in between, until fully melted. Add the oil to the chocolate to create a smooth, shiny finish once it sets.
6. Once the cherry-filled balls are chilled and the chocolate is melted, dip each cherry ball into the chocolate, making sure it is fully covered. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back onto the parchment paper.
7. Refrigerate the dipped cherries again to set the chocolate, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
8. Once set, your chocolate-covered cherries are ready to enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes around 12 to 15 chocolate-covered cherries, depending on the size of each ball.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 1-2 hours (this may vary depending on your refrigerator)
• Total time: 2-3 hours

Variations

1. Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a less sweet flavor, dark chocolate can be substituted for the semi-sweet chocolate.
2. Alcohol-Infused Cherries: Soak the cherries in a bit of brandy or rum for an adult twist on the classic chocolate-covered cherry.
3. White Chocolate: For a more unique presentation, you can opt for white chocolate for a creamy and rich look.
4. Nut Coating: After dipping the cherries in chocolate, roll them in crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to add a crunchy texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Store your chocolate-covered cherries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• For best results, enjoy them within the first week as the freshness of the cherries will start to diminish over time.
• There’s no need for reheating; however, if you want to enjoy them at room temperature, simply take them out of the refrigerator about 10 minutes before eating.

FAQs

How long do chocolate-covered cherries last?

Chocolate-covered cherries can last up to 2 weeks if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but they will need to be pitted before using. Maraschino cherries provide a longer shelf life and a sweeter flavor, which is why they’re typically used in this recipe.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier coating or opt for dark chocolate for a more bitter, sophisticated flavor.

How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?

Make sure your cherry-filled balls are thoroughly chilled before dipping them in the chocolate. Also, avoid overheating the chocolate, as this can cause it to harden and crack when set.

Can I add flavoring to the filling?

Yes, you can infuse the filling with a variety of flavors, such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a splash of liqueur like cherry or amaretto for an extra burst of flavor.

Is there a way to make these without condensed milk?

If you prefer a different method, you can create a homemade ganache or use a mixture of powdered sugar and butter, although the texture may vary slightly.

How do I ensure the chocolate coats the cherries evenly?

The key is to make sure the filling is firm and chilled before dipping. Using a fork or dipping tool can help you cover the cherries evenly while also allowing excess chocolate to drip off.

Can I freeze chocolate-covered cherries?

Yes, you can freeze them. Place the cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I make the chocolate shine?

Adding a bit of vegetable oil or coconut oil to the melted chocolate will give it a shiny finish once it cools and sets.

Can I add other fillings to the cherries?

Yes, you can experiment with different fillings like caramel, peanut butter, or even flavored creams to customize your chocolate-covered cherries.

Conclusion

Chocolate-covered cherries are a fun and delicious treat that combines the sweetness of fruit with the richness of chocolate. Whether you’re preparing them for the holidays or as a special indulgence, this recipe is sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these decadent little delights right at home. Perfect for gifting or enjoying by yourself, these homemade chocolate-covered cherries will become a go-to treat for any occasion.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These homemade chocolate-covered cherries combine sweet maraschino cherries with a creamy sugar filling and rich chocolate coating. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or dessert.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12-15 cherries
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 1 jar of maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
2. 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
3. 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
4. 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your preferred chocolate)
5. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Drain and thoroughly dry the maraschino cherries using a paper towel.

1. Place the dried cherries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. In a bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and powdered sugar until a thick, smooth mixture forms.
3. Wrap the sugar mixture around each cherry to form a ball. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Melt the chocolate chips with oil using a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
5. Dip each chilled cherry ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Let excess chocolate drip off.
6. Place the coated cherries back on the parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to set.
7. Serve and enjoy your homemade chocolate-covered cherries.

Notes

1. Ensure cherries are fully dried to help coating stick properly.
2. For a glossy finish, add a bit of oil to the chocolate when melting.
3. Chill the coated cherries well before serving for best texture.
4. Can be frozen for longer storage, up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cherry
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 20mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 2mg